Read Online The Greatest Gift by Michael John Sullivan - Free Book Online Page A

away.
    Connie moved over to the row of seats where the woman was crying. She sat two seats away and pretended to look at her phone. When the woman behind the partition left, she moved to the seat next to her. “What’s wrong?” Connie asked.
    The woman sniffled a few times and shook her head. “Everyone has a sob story, right?”
    “I guess. What’s yours?”
    “I shouldn’t say.”
    Connie leaned over and whispered, “I’ve seen that look before. I had it many days and nights after my husband left me. I wish I’d had someone to talk to during that time. Look, if you don’t want to talk, I respect that. But I’m here.”
    She nodded and wiped her face. “I look like crap.”
    “Don’t we all?”
    The woman laughed. “I guess you’re not a counselor.”
    “Why would you say that?”
    “A counselor wouldn’t say that.”
    “What would they say?”
    The woman placed the tissues back into her purse and took a deep breath. “They would say, ‘Oh, you look fabulous. Life has so much to offer you. Focus on the wonderful things in your life.’”
    Connie grimaced. “I guess there are no wonderful things in your life?”
    “I’m sitting here, but my stomach is out the door. No job. Not a penny to my name. My boyfriend took off once I told him about the baby. My mother thinks I’m a slut, and my father isn’t around to help.” She shrugged. “I’ve got no one.”
    Connie was silent, waiting for her to continue.
    “So, I guess I’ve left you speechless?”
    “Not speechless. I was absorbing what you said.”
    “I guess you can become my new stranger.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “Not a friend. Just someone who waves to you and asks how you are doing when they don’t really mean it. You see, since my friends and family heard I’m pregnant and not married, they treat me like the weather – fair.”
    “I’ll admit I used to judge people.” Connie shook her head. “But I’ve learned the hard way I have no right to judge anyone.”
    The woman pulled a big Hershey’s dark chocolate bar out of her purse. She unwrapped it and broke off a piece. “Would you like some?” she offered. “It’s healthy.”
    “I never turn down chocolate.” Connie took the piece and put it in her mouth.
    “This is my medicine, my new stranger.” She started munching on the remainder of the chocolate bar. “By the way, I’m Virginia,” she said, extending her hand.
    “I’m Connie,” she said, shaking it. “I’d need more than that small chocolate bar if I had your troubles.”
    “Well, Connie, since we’ve taken the next step of being best strangers forever, why are you here today? Or is that too personal?”
    “I had three miscarriages a long time ago. I’m seeing if it’s possible to have a child at my age.”
    “Really?”
    Connie looked at her. “I’m old. But I’m not that old.”
    “How old are you?”
    Connie laughed. “You don’t have any filter on, do you?”
    Virginia grinned. “No.”
    “You’re my kind of stranger,” Connie said.
    “Why would you want to burden yourself?”
    Connie looked down. “My ex and I went through a very difficult period in our relationship. It’s the reason why everything went south. Maybe I’m trying to alleviate the guilt I have.”
    “I’m sorry, but you shouldn’t feel guilty.”
    “I know. I know you’re right. I guess I’m trying to learn how to treat myself better. I guess we’re all still learning.”
    “You’re taking a brave approach to this.”
    Connie went to the vending machine and bought some M&Ms. She ripped the bag open and let a pile of them drop into her hand. “My turn,” she said, offering Virginia a few.
    “Why, thank you,” she replied.
    They chewed on the candy in silence for the next few minutes.
    “I’m not so brave,” Connie finally said. “You are. To deal with people abandoning you and raising the baby with all your challenges is admirable.”
    Virginia lowered her head and wiped her hands with some